Discover the rich pioneering history and amazing scenery of Molesworth Station nestled in the heart of North Canterbury and Marlborough landscapes. A chance to spend time in Blenheim and Kaikoura and see for yourself the new spectacular coastline of the east coast of the South Island. Time to relax in Hanmer Springs, enjoy picnic lunches in the high country, see rare alpine plants in flower, historic cob buildings, fabulous, varied scenery from the mountains to the sea. Staying and visiting attractions in Blenheim and Kaikoura, including a scenic whale watch flight. Tour starts and finishes in Christchurch, don’t miss out.
Christchurch
8.00am
Pick up from Christchurch at 8.00am. Today we journey to North Canterbury and the alpine township of Hanmer Springs. We will explore the western side of Molesworth Station and St James Station. See the historic woolshed and blacksmith shop before stopping at Lake Tennyson for a cuppa, enjoy the natural alpine plants growing in this picturesque setting.
We will stop at Fowlers Hut, see the rabbit proof fence of old, drive over Island Saddle to the boundary of Rainbow Station. We will have a picnic lunch at Sedgemere Tarn before returning to Hanmer for the night an enjoyable meal out. L. D
Today we will explore the eastern side of Molesworth Station with a visit to the historic Acheron Accommodation House with time to look around and have a cup of tea at Pig Trough Corner, see how the pioneers lived in this wonderfully preserved large cobb building, before enjoying a picnic lunch. We will cross the Guide River, and follow the cattle drovers’ route through Isolated Flat, recounting tales of old characters that made this area their home.
We will drive up and over Wards Pass to be able to view the Station operations hub, view the original Molesworth two room cobb cottage. We will continue our journey through the Awatere Valley, while stopping at various vantage points, e.g., Hodder Bridge, on our way to Blenheim, where we will enjoy an overnight stay. B. MT. L. D.
After breakfast we visit the amazing Omaka Aviation Museum, before starting our journey along the beautiful coastline, with mountain and sea views stopping for lunch along the way making the most of the magnificent views and places of interest.
Tonight, we will stay in Kaikoura and enjoy a meal on the waterfront at The Pier Restaurant, which is an iconic nineteenth century character hotel – famous for the freshest seafood and Kaikoura crayfish. B. D.
We start the day with a delicious café breakfast, before visiting the historic Kaikoura Fyffe Cottage Museum, home to an early whaler.
Then enjoy your own window seat in a fixed wing plane for a spectacular whale-watching and scenic flight over the sperm whales and dolphins in Kaikoura’s stunning marine environment. Have a bite to eat outside of Kaikoura before our drive to Christchurch. We travel via the inland Kaikoura route, as we weave through the small regional North Canterbury towns. Drop off in Christchurch at the end of your tour. B.
I have to say it was an amazing trip and I might have to acknowledge that Geoff’s knowledge of where the various farm boundaries were and are, the people who owned the farms and worked there, what mountain points we were looking at and history etc gave such a great depth of background, as did the notes, as that sort of information always gives another dimension to visiting a new place.
